Pan-Albanian American Congress – PAAC Newsletter, Vol.1

Introduction

In 1906, the  Albanian community in Boston launched Kombi (Nation), the first Albanian language publication in the United States. At the time, the newspaper was intended to raise awareness of the Albanian issue and cause.

The Albanian and American nations are connected inextricably through the dream of freedom and independence and shared alliances for over 100 years. On November 28th, 1912, Albania declared independence and established relations with the United States of America.  In 1919, as the European powers were dividing the spoils of WWI, Albania was targeted to be further divided among its neighbors. This injustice caused American President Woodrow Wilson to raise his voice at the Paris Peace Conference and declare on May 6th, 1919: “Albania ought to be independent!.”  This act of preservation saved a country against the continuing savagery of partitioning her lands and exterminating her people; it also cemented an inalienable love of America by the Albanian people.

America had inspired the Albanian war for independence in 1912 and later helped maintain its sovereignty in 1919.  Later, during the Cold War years, American Presidents consistently came to the defense of ethnic Albanians in communist Yugoslavia. In 1992, President Bush protected Albanians from Serbian hegemony by providing a stern threat of military intervention if an attack were to happen against Kosova.  Then, under President Clinton in 1999, America and its allies stopped the genocide against the Albanian people in Kosova through the first ever NATO intervention in Europe, bombing Serbia and putting an end to Milosevic’s campaign of ethnic cleansing.  Yet again, on February 17th, 2008, the United States and President George W Bush supported and helped secure Kosova’s independence and sovereignty. 

Under subsequent Presidents — Obama, Trump, and Biden — the United States has continued to defend and support the sovereignty and progress of the Albanian people and their thriving democracies across states in the Balkans, ensuring peace and stability in the region while advancing the interests of the western hemisphere at a time of uncertainty and global political regress.  Today, Serbia, a historic ally of Russia and the only country in Europe not to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, duly threatens to reverse all this progress, undercutting the very sovereignty and success story that America established together with the Albanian people since the dawn of the last century.

As we set forth to combat the propaganda of our enemies and oppose any erosion in the shared values, amazing progress, and strong bond between our two nations, launching this newsletter on the heels of the July 4th celebration seems expressly suitable.  This year, as every year prior, America’s Independence Day was observed and celebrated by Albanians across the globe and in their homeland, with President Clinton himself joining in the festivities in Albania today. 

Therefore, this newsletter is a spiritual successor to that first Albanian newspaper in America, aiming to serve the same purpose of raising awareness of the Albanian cause while lifting the fog and incongruity created by European powers and Serbian propaganda that seek to undermine our strong alliance and shatter decades of contribution to peace and prosperity in the region by the United States.  We hope you will find the information included useful and instructive.

Articles in the press

Appeasement of Serbia on the back of Kosova will not prevent instability in the Balkans

Janusz Bugajski, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation in Washington DC writes in this short but essential article about the ineffectiveness and threat posed by appeasing Serbia and President Vucic, who runs Serbia with the iron grip of an autocrat, utilizing street gangs and Serbia’s ties to Moscow and Beijing, to maintain and increase his stranglehold in the region. 

Bugajski reiterates that the State Department and EU are complicit in this situation by offering Serbia a multitude of carrots hoping to get them to walk away from their ties to Russia, which will not happen. Bugajksi lambasts the logic of leaning hard with any pressure on Kosova, who have fulfilled all that has been demanded of them so far in the process. Kosova’s leadership would be willing to collaborate better if the pressure wasn’t one-sided, only a burden for them to bear without any reciprocal pressure on Serbia, who is the intransigent actor in the negotiations. 

US-Kosova relationship strained due to misguided State Department shifting stance on legitimacy of local elections

The United States and Kosova are engaged in a public dispute as the US ally, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, resists calls to unilaterally de-escalate ethnic tensions in northern Kosova. The tensions arose when ethnic Albanian mayors took office despite winning with only 3.5% of the vote due to a Serb boycott. US and EU special envoys visited Kosova and Serbia to urge de-escalation, new elections in northern Kosova, and dialogue. However, Kurti criticized the US and EU for favoring Serbia, while US Ambassador Christopher Hill expressed concerns about Kurti’s cooperation. 

The dispute is jeopardizing a deal aimed at normalizing relations between Kosova and Serbia. Analysts hold differing opinions on the US’s open criticism of Kurti, with some seeing it as disproportionate pressure on Kosova. The EU and the US have called for Serbia to withdraw troops and maintain calm among protesters. However, critics note that Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has not faced similar criticism. The disagreement between Kosova and Serbia over various issues, including the self-management of Serbs in northern Kosova, has impeded progress in normalizing ties. The US and EU are frustrated by the missed opportunities for progress in the normalization process. 

The establishment of an Association of Serb Municipalities remains a key sticking point, as Kosova officials resist committing to a concrete plan while advocating for more autonomy. The question facing Kosova is how to achieve a stable peace and establish a normal relationship with Serbia, leading to recognition of Kosova’s independence by all countries, including Serbia, which currently does not recognize it.

EU negotiators accused of failure and taking sides in Kosova-Serbia clashes

This article highlights criticisms made by MEPs David McAllister, Michael Gahler, and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel towards the EU’s Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajčák. MEP Waltz questions the success of agreements between Kosova and Serbia that were not signed by both parties and suggested that the EU’s public communication wrongfully portrays Kosova as the aggressor rather than Serbia. He argues for equal demands and pressure on Serbia, expressing concern about the EU’s unfair favoring of Serbia. MEP Gahler raises questions about Serbia’s actions and calls for the EU to acknowledge and address Serb nationalism as the root cause of instability in the Western Balkans. He emphasizes Kosova’s continued pro-Western stance and achievements. The EU is considering imposing sanctions on Kosova in response to tensions with Serbia, including suspending invitations, meetings, and funding. The article also mentions the release of three abducted Kosovar police officers by Serbia and ongoing attacks against  Albanian media in Kosova by Serbs.

The leader of a criminal group admits Serbian President Vucic utilizes these groups as brute squads with no international repercussions in sight 

The New York Times Magazine recently published an in-depth story about Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, alleging his connections with a criminal group involved in drug trafficking and murder. The story gained international attention, and although Vucic denies the allegations, they were raised during a congressional hearing about the Western Balkans. Outside analysts expressed concern about the conflation of authoritarian governments and criminal networks. The story claimed well-documented connections between the police and the criminal group led by Veljko Belivuk, known as Trouble. Belivuk testified in court that his gang had been organized by order of Aleksandar Vucic, who now exercises near-total control over public life in Serbia. Vucic dismissed the story as an ordered message during the dialogue about the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosova, while critics argued that it highlighted Serbia’s corruption issues. 

The reliability of Serbia as a partner for the United States was questioned during a Senate hearing, with the State Department acknowledging corruption concerns but not imposing sanctions on Vucic administration officials. Some analysts suggested that the US strategy of viewing Serbia as a stabilizing force in the region should be reevaluated. Serbia’s pro-Russian sentiment and its lack of sanctions against Russia raise questions about the effectiveness of current foreign policy approaches. There is a possibility that the US may increase pressure on Serbia, but the extent and potential consequences remain uncertain.

Texas rep excoriates State Department head during hearing over their double standards on Kosova

Representative Keith Self questioned Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jones on the current situation and tensions in Northern Kosova. Local elections were held in Serb-majority municipalities in Northern Kosova, which the Serbs willfully boycotted under the directions of Belgrade to create a distraction from the ongoing negotiations that Belgrade doesn’t want to complete. The elections were held according to Kosova’s constitution, and with low voter turnout, the Albanian candidates who won the mayoral seats faced protests and clashes as they took their seats in the municipal buildings. This was a stalling tactic that bled over into violence against Kosovar Albanian police, journalists, and members of KFOR (the NATO peacekeepers.) Serb president Vucic, himself under pressure from protests in Belgrade, used the situation to draw focus towards Kosova and away from his criminal ties. 

The election was recognized as legitimate by the international community, yet in acquiescence to Serb outrage, over elections they willingly boycotted, the international community is now putting pressure on the Kosova government to have a redo of those same elections. This has escalated into sanctions, and threats of further consequences, despite the fact that Kosova’s government is simply enforcing its legitimate election laws and results in its own sovereign territory. 

Russia’s ally in The Balkans threatens stability with political stunts as Kosova implements legitimate election results

The recent violence in northern Kosova between ethnic Serbs and NATO’s peacekeeping mission, KFOR, has had significant ramifications. The clashes resulted in injuries to NATO troops, emboldened Serbia, weakened Kosova, empowered Russia, and divided the transatlantic community. The seeds of instability were sown when the Kosovar government implemented a vehicle registration policy many Serbs perceived as discriminatory. This led to mass resignations by officials in ethnic Serb regions and a boycott of local elections, resulting in the election of ethnic Albanians in predominantly Serbian areas. The entry of the newly elected officials into town halls sparked violent protests involving both ethnic Serbs in Kosova and Serbian nationals from across the border. NATO pledged to send additional troops to maintain order. 

The US and EU predominantly blamed Kosova for the violence, while some British officials cautioned against an unbalanced approach. The Balkans region, known for its historical sectarian divisions, remains fragile, and recent events in Kosova highlight the potential for renewed hostilities. The situation also holds broader implications, as Arab countries and Russia maintain regional interests. Serbia continues to be Russia’s stronghold in the Western Balkans, and the geopolitical tensions in the transatlantic community, mainly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, make the situation more precarious. Constructive international engagement is crucial for stability and security in the Balkans, given its historical significance and the potential for conflict.

UK MP accuses EU and US of unjustified pressure on Kosova PM Kurti

During a parliamentary debate on the unrest in northern Kosova, UK Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns expressed her support for Kosova and condemned Serbia for orchestrating the boycott of local elections and the subsequent violence. She criticized the US and EU for their stances, highlighting the need to address foreign interference in the situation. Kearns drew parallels between the response to similar incidents in the UK and Kosova, emphasizing the importance of not suffocating democracy. She also raised concerns about the disproportionate response by allies towards Kosova and called for countermeasures against Belgrade. 

Kearns urged stronger condemnation of armed militias and highlighted the intimidation faced by individuals who refuse to support them. She questioned the support provided to Serb Kosova communities in the north and the impact of foreign interference on democracy. In response, Minister of State Andrew Mitchell highlighted the government’s emphasis on dialogue and de-escalation, mentioning previous engagements with Kosova and Serbia to de-escalate the situation. He assured Kearns of the responsible role the UK is playing in addressing the issue.

EU negotiator undermines own process by calling for repeat elections which were boycotted by Serbs to stall negotiation progress

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has proposed steps to address the ongoing violence in predominantly Serb areas of northern Kosova, but no immediate breakthrough has been achieved. The violence erupted after ethnic Albanian mayors took office following a low-turnout local election in which Serbs boycotted the vote. Tensions escalated further when Serbian police kidnapped three Kosova police officers, well within Kosova’s borders, leading to a dispute over the location of the arrests. 

Borrell urged Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti to withdraw the mayors, remove special police, and uphold a 2013 agreement for an association of Kosova Serb municipalities. He also asked Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to release the kidnapped Albanian police officers, and withdraw the Belgrade controlled Serb protesters. Borrell emphasized the need for early elections in all four municipalities with the participation of Kosova Serbs. Kurti insisted that elections should comply with Kosova law, while Vucic expressed readiness for further talks but criticized Kurti’s actions. The EU will investigate the baseless allegations of mistreatment of prisoners during the protests.

“A Belgrade-centric foreign policy will not work in The Balkans,” says British MP Alicia Kearns 

The situation in Kosova is a crucial moment that demands our attention. We must not overlook the progress made by Kosova in embracing democracy, following the steps towards EU accession, and working towards NATO membership. However, it is concerning that Serbia, despite its foreign policy alignment with Putin and its failure to support Ukraine, receives no consequences while Bosnia and Kosova face punishment. This one-sided approach undermines our commitment to democracy and sets a worrisome precedent. Milorad Dodik’s (Republika Srpska’s president,) recent actions pose a direct threat to the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenging almost three decades of peace established through the Dayton agreement. Sanctions have impacted Dodik, but we need the EU to join in sanctioning him and other secessionists to exert collective pressure. Dodik’s alignment with Putin and his potential to serve as a distraction for Russia highlight the risks of a new war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would ultimately benefit Putin. It is vital for democratic allies to show solidarity and stand against such threats, reinforcing the importance of upholding democratic values in Kosova and the entire region.

Abduction of Albanian police officers in Kosova increases tensions

The abduction of three Kosova police officers inside Kosova’s borders by Serbian forces has heightened tensions between Kosova and Serbia. The tensions are part of Mr. Vucic’s strategy to distract from protests happening in Belgrade against his government. The two sides have given conflicting locations for the arrest, accusing each other of crossing the border illegally. Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti demanded the release of the officers, stating that they were arrested well inside Kosovan territory, in violation of international law. On the other hand, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic claimed they were arrested inside Serbian territory. Vucic accused Kurti of inciting conflicts and rejected the accusation that Serbian forces entered Kosova. The arrest led Kosova to ban vehicles with Serbian license plates from entering its territory. In response to the broader crisis, the European Union has approved punitive measures against Kurti’s government for failing to de-escalate the situation. The measures include the suspension of high-level visits, contacts, events, and financial cooperation with Kosova. The situation remains tense, with efforts to defuse tensions and resolve the crisis ongoing.

United States criticizes Kosova for declaring two groups as terrorist organizations after injury to police, peacekeepers and journalists

The United States has criticized Kosova’s government for not consulting with Washington before declaring two Serbian groups as “terrorist” organizations. The US State Department stated that while it condemned the recent violence and encouraged accountability, Pristina’s decision should have been coordinated with its international partners. The US called on Kosova to refrain from unilateral steps and work towards resolving the current crisis through dialogue with all parties involved. The tensions between Kosova and Serbia escalated with clashes in Kosovar Serb-majority municipalities, leading to the detention of Kosovar police officers and subsequent unrest. The Western partners, including the US and the European Union, have urged de-escalation, new elections, and the withdrawal of police from disputed municipal buildings. The long standing goal has been to normalize Serbian-Kosovar relations through dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Despite Kosova’s dedicated implementation of international demands, the EU threatens Kosova with sanctions, while Serbia is treated with kid gloves

Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti responded to the European Union’s proposed measures against the country amid tensions with ethnic Serbs in the north. He emphasized Kosova’s commitment to European values, democratic principles, and the EU perspective. Kurti acknowledged past criticism of the EU but stated that Kosova has always been sincere and stable in its partnership. He highlighted the positive assessment of Kosova in the EU Commission’s Country Report, which recognized progress in areas such as fighting crime and corruption and advancing the legal framework. 

Despite recent developments, Kurti expressed appreciation for the EU’s support and assistance, reaffirming Kosova’s commitment to European integration. In the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, some MEPs criticized the EU envoy for the Kosova-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, for appearing to favor Serbia over Kosova. They called for equal demands and pressure on Serbia and criticized Serbia’s actions. Meanwhile, the Kosova government declared two organizations, Civil Defense and Northern Brigade, operating in the Serb-majority northern part of the country, as terrorist organizations, attributing recent tensions to them.

Serb protesters trigger tensions in Kosova, complaining about the election outcome they collectively boycotted

Interethnic tensions in Kosova, a young European democracy that declared independence from Serbia in 2008, threaten the region’s fragile peace. The recent clashes between ethnic Albanian mayors and protesting ethnic Serbs, who feel unfairly targeted by the government in Pristina, highlight the deep-rooted divide. Disagreements between Pristina and Belgrade have led to the withdrawal of Serbs from Kosova’s institutions, creating a vacuum and impacting the local population. The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has expressed concern and called for interethnic dialogue to address the situation. The complex nature of the Balkans and the history of interethnic violence present challenges to fostering a cohesive society in Kosova.

Serbs protest across major Serbian cities demanding President Vucic’s resignation after shootings

Protests in Serbia continue as thousands of people gather in Belgrade and other cities, demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić and top representatives in media, police, and security services. The demonstrators, including members of opposition parties, criticize the government’s close ties with tabloid media, which they claim incites hatred and promotes violence. The protests were initially sparked by two shootings in May that left 19 people dead. The protestors also seek government accountability and the removal of key officials in the Ministry of the Interior and the Information and Security Agency.

Serb fact checker decries the Serbian government’s attempts to paint themselves as the true victim of Ukraine war through media manipulation and propaganda

The Serbian media has undergone different stages in its coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, from initially claiming that “Ukraine attacked Russia” to eventually accepting the reality of the war. However, the media narrative in Serbia shifted to portraying the country as the biggest victim of the war, blaming the United States and the European Union for the problems faced by Serbia. The media emphasized the “horrible pressure” on Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia and highlighted the challenges faced by President Aleksandar Vučić, whom they portrayed as successfully dealing with the surrounding challenges. The media also reported on alleged attempts to paralyze Serbia through fake bomb threats, aiming to force the country into imposing sanctions on Russia. 

Throughout this narrative, the Serbian media depicted the war in Ukraine as being waged at the expense of Serbia, with the West seen as imposing pressures and military methods on the country. The media’s coverage further intensified the anti-Western narrative that had dominated in previous years while maintaining a pro-Russian sentiment. Overall, the war in Ukraine became another reason for the Serbian media to position Serbia as a victim and fuel anti-Western sentiments.

Kosova agrees to the EU plan for negotiations with Serbia. Serbia verbally agrees, then refuses to sign the agreement, ratchets up tensions in Northern Kosova instead

The leaders of Serbia and Kosova have tentatively agreed on how to implement a European Union-sponsored plan to normalize their relations. The agreement follows nearly twelve hours of talks chaired by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The plan aims to resolve tensions between the two Balkan countries that have existed since their 1998-1999 war and Kosova’s declaration of independence in 2008. 

The agreement, drafted by France and Germany and supported by the US, focuses on maintaining good neighborly relations and recognizing each other’s official documents and national symbols. While the deal is a positive step, it does not explicitly call for mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosova. Implementing this agreement would significantly benefit both countries’ aspirations to join the European Union.

Editorial summary

Editorial: America’s Vital Support for Kosova’s Struggle Against Discrimination and Delays

In the intricate tapestry of Kosova’s reality, we must not overlook the intangible forces shaping everyday life. Since its hard-fought liberation in 1999, Kosova has shown unwavering commitment to compromise, heeding the calls of allies. This commitment was reaffirmed in the February Oher Agreement, where Kosova courageously pledged to honor past agreements—an essential step towards lasting peace.

Yet Serbia, led by Mr. Vucic, obstructs reconciliation with stubborn resistance. Troubling connections between Mr. Vucic and criminal elements within Serbia extend their sinister reach into Kosova’s northern municipalities. Surprisingly, it is not the Albanian majority that Serbs fear in Kosova, but the dire consequences of dissent from their own government. Moreover, 1653 missing Albanian war victims continue to suffer as Serbia neglects to address this grave injustice.

Serbia perpetuates its portrayal as the eternal victim in the Kosova conflict and other Balkan wars it ignited and lost. The Serbian government’s steadfast refusal to acknowledge its culpability darkens the proceedings. Kosova has already granted comfort to the Serbs residing within its borders, with guaranteed representation in the central government unparalleled for any minority worldwide. Serbia’s demands for additional governmental power, seeking veto authority for a new association of municipalities, are excessive and redundant, needlessly complicating an already delicate situation. These demands are directly motivated by intentions to render the state dysfunctional, much like Serbs do in Bosnia today.

The European Union’s handling of this matter remains muddled. Five EU countries withhold recognition of Kosova, undermining their moral authority to judge its affairs. The EU exhibits a functional bias favoring Serbia, as voices within the European Parliament highlight. As injustices mount, Kosova embraces compromises, only to be unjustly labeled as aggressors when upholding legitimate elections within its republic.

Amidst these challenges, we must acknowledge the journey of accountability undertaken by former Kosova leaders. Responding to international pressure, they face trials at The Hague under a Special Court created for debunked accusations of the past. In contrast, Serbia shamelessly harbors accused war criminals, evading justice under the watchful gaze of the Serbian government.

As Americans, we bear the responsibility to firmly align ourselves with Kosova in its unwavering pursuit of a brighter future. We must take an unambiguous stance against discrimination, delays, and barriers that impede progress. Moving forward, we must honor the courage and resilience of Kosova’s people. Acknowledging their aspirations for self-determination and sovereignty strengthens regional peace and stability. America’s diplomatic influence must advocate for Kosova globally, pressuring Serbia to address historical wrongs and collaborate in the search for missing persons. Fairness and impartiality must guide the EU’s engagement with Kosova, respecting the voices and aspirations of its people.

The international community must recognize the pivotal role that Kosova plays in regional stability. By insisting that any dialogue has mutual recognition of independence by Kosova and Serbia, we strengthen the foundations of peace and stability in the Balkans. This is not just about Kosova; it is about upholding the fundamental principles of justice, accountability, and the right to determine one’s own future.

To this end, America must leverage its diplomatic influence and strategic partnerships to advocate for Kosova on the global stage. We must exert pressure on Serbia to address its historical wrongs, collaborate in the search for missing persons, and confront the crimes of the past. Additionally, America must urge the European Union to demonstrate fairness and impartiality in its engagement with Kosova, respecting the voices and aspirations of the people of Kosova.

Additional Information

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